Home

About Us

CCED Annual Report- Now Available!

Our Mission

The mission of the Center for Community and Economic Development is to manage the Community Development Institute, provide support and training to Arkansas communities and development professionals, and represent UCA in its community engagement efforts. The Center is part of the University of Central Arkansas’ Division of Outreach and Community Engagement.

Our Purpose

We are committed to assisting local leaders be effective in their community improvement efforts. To do this, the Center consults with Arkansas communities to provide training and customized services that help leaders assess their current community situation and develop strategies to achieve their community and economic development goals. Staff members are available to serve as a resource throughout the development process.

Our Work

The Center works with community leaders and organizations throughout Arkansas, including:

Elected officials and government agencies

Chambers of Commerce

Local and regional community/economic development organizations

Non-profit organizations

Any individual or organization committed to improving the quality of life and economic vitality of Arkansas communities

Our Values

We strive to develop relationships with leaders and communities that are based on:

Trust and respect

Local action that fosters consensus-building, community ownership and empowerment, transparency, and inclusion

An asset-based approach focusing on local strengths as the foundation for success

The driving principle behind the Center’s work is that community development facilitates economic development.